The Effects of Bullying

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Created on Thursday, 15 September 2011 15:56

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Opinion

By Larrissa Le Vasser

In the world today, there is a growing epidemic; teen suicides.

There could be many reason as to why a teen would feel depressed enough to commit suicide, whether it be their parents getting a divorce, a tragic death in the family, or a classmate starting a rumor online. Though all can be very distressing, there is one thing that has had a bigger impact than all; bullying.

Many children, teens, even young adults are bullied every day. Whether it is verbal, physical, or cyber bullying, it is still very serious. In fact, about thirty percent of teenagers in America are involved in bullying, whether they are the one getting bullied or doing the bullying.

Last year, a teen suicide even hit home. Seth Walsh, a thirteen year old boy, attended Jacobsen Middle School in Tehachapi, California, where he had been bullied for a number of years due to his sexual orientation.

On Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, Seth could not take the torment any longer, and he tried to take his own life by hanging himself from a tree branch in his backyard, where he was found unconscious and soon taken to a nearby hospital. He was on life support for ten days before finally passing away.

The kids who had a part in bullying Seth were not punished. According to many articles I read, no legal action was taken because “bullying is not a crime.”

Well, thanks to Seth’s story, there is now a “Seth’s Law” put in effect, to stop anti-gay bullying from taking another life.

"I can't bring my son back, but the California legislature can make a difference today to protect young people across our state just like Seth who are or are thought to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.” Wendy Walsh, Seth’s mother told law makers. “Schools need to take harassment and bullying seriously when parents or students tell them about it, and when they see it and hear it on the school campus." It is the school’s job to pay attention and help students when they say they are being bullied or harassed, in any way, shape or form.

I myself have been a victim of bullying. For most of my life, I have been made fun of, had rumors spread about me, been stabbed in the back. I had times when as soon as I got home from school I would just cry, because I did not want to go back the next day. All of that made me stronger though, and it is what made me who I am today.

It does not matter if someone thinks you are not pretty enough, as long as you are happy with who you are. No one else’s thoughts matter but your own. All of the people telling you that you are not good enough are all people that have insecurities themselves. They are just hiding behind words. It is your job to stand up and not let those words break you, because you are beautiful and your life matters.

Image by: Sheng Lor

To Learn More:

Facts about suicide and suicide prevention